CAPS Think Point
Weekly Asia Pacific Monitor
14 April-18 April 2025
Weekly Asia Pacific Monitor is based on daily screening of 28
newspapers published from different countries of the region. The
document provides a brief summary of interaction among Asia
Pacific countries in security, economy and diplomacy sectors.
Consortium of Asia Pacific Studies (CAPS)
Defence/Security
Pakistan and China to boost air force cooperation. The two nations will advance their air force collaboration through joint drills and a new Joint Working Group, with Chinese firms invited to co-develop military technology in Pakistan.
Australia wants AUKUS submarines for deterrence, stealth. Australia is acquiring nuclear powered submarines as a deterrent. The Aus PM emphasized that the AUKUS treaty, despite criticism amid President Donald Trump’s trade policy, aligns with U.S. interests.
Labor rules out briefing for Coalition on Russia’s Indonesia activity. The Labor government has refused to brief the Coalition on Russia’s military aircraft activities in Indonesia, citing election caretaker conventions.
Trade war twist: Rinehart-backed rare earths miner ends exports to China. MP Materials, backed by Gina Rinehart, has stopped exports to China and is stockpiling rare earth concentrate due to the ongoing trade war between Beijing and Washington.
Commander of US Special Operations Command Pacific visits. Rear Admiral Jeromy Williams of the US Special Operations Command Pacific visited Brunei to strengthen defense cooperation, emphasizing Brunei’s role in regional security.
Brunei received Indonesian Defence Minister Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Dr. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin for his first official visit. The Indonesian Defence Minister was welcomed by Brunei’s Minister of Defence II, and formal ceremonies were held at Bolkiah Garrison.
Malaysia enhances space technology capabilities. Malaysia is focusing on deploying LowEarth Orbit (LEO) satellites, which will boost its digital, industrial, and economic sectors. The initiative includes the establishment of ALTEL Digital for digital sovereignty and data protection.
Helicopter Assembly Hub Approved. Malaysia has approved a RM16.45 billion investment for a helicopter assembly and MRO hub at Melaka International Airport, led by Weststar Group.
China and Vietnam will conduct their 38th joint naval patrol in the Beibu Gulf. The patrol, aimed at enhancing military cooperation and maritime security, is set to take place on April 16–17.
China held military drills near Australia, Taiwan, and Vietnam to demonstrate power. The drills were seen as a test of Trump’s unclear position on Taiwan, with allies concerned about mixed signals from the U.S.
Ukraine presented captured Chinese fighters in a press conference. Ukrainian officials showcased Chinese fighters captured in Donetsk, claiming they were recruited online to fight for Russia, though both Moscow and Beijing denied the claim.
Japan to boost defence spending to 1.8% of GDP. Japan will allocate approximately $70 billion for defense this fiscal year, marking a significant increase in its military outlay.
North Korea threatens retaliation after US bombers fly over South Korea. North Korea has vowed retaliation after the U.S. flew long-range bombers over South Korea, which the North views as a potential precursor to an attack.
Satellite photos show North Korea building a giant warship. North Korea is constructing a guided-missile frigate, which is expected to be the largest warship the country has ever built.
Russia’s Kalashnikov looking to expand gun supplies to Indian police. Kalashnikov’s joint venture with India aims to produce and export AK-203 rifles, with the aim of strengthening India’s defense capabilities under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Philippines calls joint US drills ‘defence rehearsal’ as China tensions simmer. The Philippines sees joint drills with the U.S. as a strategic defense rehearsal amidst rising tensions over China’s actions in the South China Sea.
Captured underwater drone sent messages to China — Philippine military. Five underwater drones found by Philippine fishermen were capable of relaying signals to China, raising concerns over underwater warfare capabilities in the South China Sea.
In a first, Japan will join major Philippine-U.S. drills as participant. Japan is set to join the large-scale annual drills between U.S. and Philippine forces as an official participant, marking a significant shift in its defense relations with Manila.
Philippines Warns F-16 Fighter Jet Deal Could Collapse Due To Trump’s Tariffs. The potential collapse of the $5.6 billion arms deal, due to U.S. trade policy, has raised concerns over future defense partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
After Philippines, Vietnam set to buy BrahMos missiles from India. Vietnam is poised to acquire BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India, significantly strengthening its defense capabilities in maritime tensions with China.
Defence/Security
First Pakistan-Japan PFG meeting highlights growing ties. A productive session between the Parliamentary Friendship Group and Japanese Ambassador Akamarsu Shuichi emphasized deeper bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan, Russia agree to advance partnership. A long-term, multi-dimensional partnership spanning trade, energy, security, culture, and education was agreed upon by Pakistan and Russia during a meeting in Islamabad.
S. Korea to co-host UN peacekeeping meeting with Pakistan. The Islamabad gathering will lay groundwork for the Berlin conference on UN operations.
Bangladesh pokes India in the eye; Delhi hits back. India’s withdrawal of transshipment facilities for Bangladeshi cargo bound for third countries is expected to significantly impact Bangladesh’s economy.
China hosts summit to deepen ties with Cambodia. President Xi Jinping praised Cambodia’s law enforcement efforts during his visit, pledging support to combat online crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Indonesia faces internal pushback on Gaza evacuation plan. Religious leaders urged reevaluation of President Prabowo’s proposal to bring 1,000 Gaza residents to Indonesia.
Japan to gift bullet trains to India. Tokyo will donate two Shinkansen trains by 2026, advancing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.
North Korea criticizes Israel over Gaza. KCNA accused Israel of territorial ambitions amid renewed strikes on Gaza.
North Korea earns $20 billion from Russia. Military support to Russia in the Ukraine conflict has reportedly netted Pyongyang billions, including via weapons shipments.
North Korea-Russia to launch passenger train. A new service between Vladivostok and Rason will begin in May, with further plans for cross-border infrastructure.
Russia protests Japan’s military drills. Moscow lodged a formal complaint over planned Japanese missile exercises near the Russian border.
Summit of ASEAN-GCC leaders to be hosted by Malaysia. The historic May meeting will gather leaders from ASEAN and the Gulf, enhancing diplomatic and economic ties.
Vietnam expresses interest in joining BRICS. A joint China-Vietnam statement revealed Hanoi’s willingness to begin talks on BRICS membership.
Diplomacy
First Pakistan-Japan PFG meeting highlights growing ties. A productive session between the Parliamentary Friendship Group and Japanese Ambassador Akamarsu Shuichi emphasized deeper bilateral cooperation.
Pakistan, Russia agree to advance partnership. A long-term, multi-dimensional partnership spanning trade, energy, security, culture, and education was agreed upon by Pakistan and Russia during a meeting in Islamabad.
S. Korea to co-host UN peacekeeping meeting with Pakistan. The Islamabad gathering will lay groundwork for the Berlin conference on UN operations.
Bangladesh pokes India in the eye; Delhi hits back. India’s withdrawal of transshipment facilities for Bangladeshi cargo bound for third countries is expected to significantly impact Bangladesh’s economy.
China hosts summit to deepen ties with Cambodia. President Xi Jinping praised Cambodia’s law enforcement efforts during his visit, pledging support to combat online crime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
Indonesia faces internal pushback on Gaza evacuation plan. Religious leaders urged reevaluation of President Prabowo’s proposal to bring 1,000 Gaza residents to Indonesia.
Japan to gift bullet trains to India. Tokyo will donate two Shinkansen trains by 2026, advancing the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project.
North Korea criticizes Israel over Gaza. KCNA accused Israel of territorial ambitions amid renewed strikes on Gaza.
North Korea earns $20 billion from Russia. Military support to Russia in the Ukraine conflict has reportedly netted Pyongyang billions, including via weapons shipments.
North Korea-Russia to launch passenger train. A new service between Vladivostok and Rason will begin in May, with further plans for cross-border infrastructure.
Russia protests Japan’s military drills. Moscow lodged a formal complaint over planned Japanese missile exercises near the Russian border.
Summit of ASEAN-GCC leaders to be hosted by Malaysia. The historic May meeting will gather leaders from ASEAN and the Gulf, enhancing diplomatic and economic ties.
Vietnam expresses interest in joining BRICS. A joint China-Vietnam statement revealed Hanoi’s willingness to begin talks on BRICS membership.
